Bandar Seri Begawan - Early detection and treatment of orthopaedic conditions can help prevent deformity and disability, and also help minimise chances of opting for surgery.
Diseases under this category would include bone and joints problems, such as arthritis and osteoporosis, whereby sufferers may range from young children to the elderly. In some cases, these diseases may also lead to death.
According to local Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Sonali Pande from Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC), two out of three sufferers from orthopaedic diseases are unaware of their condition. Therefore, they are unable to take necessary measures to prevent further deterioration of their disease, leading to increased suffering.
As there are so many different types of orthopaedic conditions, one should seek advice from a specialist to ascertain the problem aced, so appropriate steps may be taken. X-ray is the most common form of diagnosis used by medical professionals to detect any deformity, and wear and tear of a patient's bone structure.
Osteoarthritis patients are likely to find their X-ray results revealing no cartilage or space between the bones. This leads to friction between the two bones, and causing pain. Generally, patients suffering from this condition are prescribed with painkillers to relieve the pain.
They will also be educated on the nature of their condition, and given physical therapy. Patients falling under this category are also advised to do light exercises regularly, and to lose weight for those who are overweight.
An alternative treatment may also be sought from medical professionals to increase the lubrication at the joints, hence reducing the pain for the patient. This is known as visco supplementation.
Although this procedure is not a cure, the procedure will help improve mobility and provide a higher and more comfortable level of activity.
Dr Sonali said that the effects of this treatment may last for several months depending on the stage of the condition. If however, the symptoms recur, another course of viscosupplementation injection may be repeated if deemed appropriate by a medical practitioner.
Majority of the public tend to suffer from back and neck pain. Lower back pain, according to Dr Sonali, is only second to common cold as a reason for medical consultation.
"This is the most important reason for lost work days for employees," she said, adding that 60-80 per cent of the population will suffer from "significant lower back pain at some point in their lifetime".
The problem may be owed to various reasons including sprains, injuries, old age, poor postures, obesity, smoking and more.
Regular exercises, using correct lifting and moving techniques to avoid undue strain on one's back, ergonomics, and maintaining proper body weight and correct body posture will help prevent this condition, the doctor said.
The number of hip fractures was also quoted to be maximum in the Asian countries. According to Dr Sonali's presentation, it is expected to rise by 270.6 per cent by 2050; from l.7 million (in 1990) to 6.3 million in year 2050.1t was also quoted that as many as 20 per cent of osteoporosis sufferers die from this condition. --
Courtesy of The Brunei Times
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